Remco Evenepoel Returns to Racing After Grueling Recovery From Devastating Crash
Belgium’s double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel is set to return to competition this week at the Brabantse Pijl race in Flanders, after months of intense recovery from what he described as the most difficult period of his life.
The 25-year-old cyclist was seriously injured in December during a routine training ride in Oetingen, Belgium, when he collided with the open door of a parked postal vehicle. The impact left him with multiple injuries — including fractures to his rib, shoulder blade, and hand, severe bruising to his lungs, and a dislocated clavicle with torn ligaments.
The accident required immediate surgery and sidelined Evenepoel indefinitely, casting uncertainty over not just his season but his entire future in the sport.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Monday, Evenepoel opened up about the emotional and physical toll of the past few months.
“After days, weeks, months of waiting, I can finally look forward to racing again,” he wrote. “The journey to this point has been incredibly hard. Honestly, it’s been the hardest battle of my life.”
Evenepoel admitted there were moments when he feared he might never return to professional cycling. “Mentally and physically, I hit rock bottom. There were so many tears, so much frustration. At times, I really doubted what the future would look like for me,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, the Belgian star now feels ready to line up once again. His return at Brabantse Pijl will be his first race since the crash and marks a significant milestone in what has been a deeply personal and challenging recovery.
Known for his relentless drive and resilience, Evenepoel’s comeback is being closely watched by fans and fellow athletes alike. With the Olympic Games and other major events on the horizon, his return brings a renewed sense of hope to Belgian cycling.
The road back hasn’t been easy, but Evenepoel’s story now shifts from struggle to strength — a reminder of the courage required not just to compete, but to keep believing when everything seems lost.
